There are significant differences between Original Equipment Manufacturer (O.E.M.) parts and imitation or used salvaged parts. O.E.M. parts meet stringent engineering requirements for fit, contour, rust resistance, material composition and body integrity. Many imitation parts are not manufactured to O.E.M. specifications and standards. Most body shops agree they’d rather use O.E.M. Parts.
Asking the following questions will help ensure the quality of your vehicle repairs. Ask if the repair estimate is based on using O.E.M. parts.
-
Make sure they know that you expect only new parts to be used.
-
Ask if they support a policy of using only O.E.M. parts.
-
Ask if they know whether or not it’s your insurance company’s policy to specify only new parts for your repair. If not, ask if you have the right to use only O.E.M. Parts as an insured customer.
-
Ask if your insurance company’s second choice is to install used or imitation parts.
